Corydoras Ornatus Super 2 lines

🌿 Corydoras ornatus — Ornate Cory Care Guide

Corydoras ornatus, often referred to as the Ornate Cory, is a small, social, and beautifully patterned catfish native to slow-moving rivers and flooded forests of Suriname and the Amazon Basin. This species is favored by aquarists for its peaceful nature, manageable size, and striking iridescent coloration along its flanks and snout. It thrives in well-structured aquariums with gentle current and soft substrate.

🐟 Species Overview

• Scientific Name: Corydoras ornatus

• Common Name: Ornate Cory

• Origin: Coastal rivers of Suriname, possibly Brazil

• Size: 1.5–2 inches (3.8–5 cm)

• Lifespan: 5–8 years

• Temperament: Extremely peaceful and social

• Activity Level: Active bottom-dweller; diurnal forager

• Schooling Behavior: Best kept in groups of 6 or more

🏡 Aquarium Setup

• Minimum Tank Size: 15–20 gallons for a group

• Substrate: Fine sand is essential to protect their delicate barbels

• Décor:

  • Driftwood, smooth stones, and broad-leaf plants

  • Leaf litter or floating plants to soften light

• Lighting: Low to moderate

• Water Movement: Gentle flow, mimicking natural streams

• Filtration: Sponge or low-flow filter systems are preferred

💡 This species thrives in mature tanks with a stable biological balance and no sharp or abrasive decorations.

💧 Water Parameters

• Temperature: 72–78°F (22–25.5°C)

• pH Range: 6.0–7.2

• Hardness: Soft to moderately soft (2–10 dGH)

• TDS: 80–200 ppm

• Water Changes: 25–40% weekly to maintain excellent water quality

🧪 Stable, clean water with low nitrate levels is essential for long-term health and vibrant coloration.

🍽️ Diet & Feeding

Corydoras ornatus are omnivores and benefit from a varied, well-balanced diet that includes both plant and animal matter.

• Staple Foods:

  • Sinking micro-pellets

  • Bottom-feeder wafers

• Protein-Rich Additions:

  • Frozen or live bloodworms, blackworms, brine shrimp

• Vegetable Options:

  • Blanched peas or spirulina flakes (occasionally)

• Feeding Frequency: 1–2 times per day, ensuring food reaches the substrate

⚠️ Do not rely on leftovers from other fish—Ornatus Corys should be directly fed.

🤝 Tankmates & Compatibility

• Ideal Tankmates:

  • Peaceful tetras, rasboras, small dwarf cichlids (Apistogramma)

  • Otocinclus, pencilfish, and other Corydoras species

• Avoid:

  • Aggressive or large territorial fish

  • Fast-feeding surface fish that outcompete them at mealtimes

💡 Ornate Corys thrive in groups of 6 or more, which helps reduce stress and promote natural schooling behaviors.

🐣 Breeding Notes

Breeding Corydoras ornatus in captivity is possible and follows typical Corydoras breeding behavior.

• Spawning Style: Egg scatterers; deposit eggs on tank glass or plant leaves

• Triggers:

  • Large water change with slightly cooler water

  • Increased feeding with high-protein foods

• Egg Care:

  • Remove adults post-spawning or relocate eggs to prevent predation

  • Use gentle airflow and antifungal treatment if needed

• Fry Feeding:

  • Start with infusoria or liquid fry food

  • Progress to baby brine shrimp or crushed flakes

🔍 Fry require ultra-clean water and stable temperatures to grow safely.

📝 Care Summary

🔧 Tips for Success

• Use a dark substrate to enhance their reflective markings

• Keep them in well-established aquariums with biofilm and detritus zones

• Monitor water flow—excessively strong current may stress this species

• Provide soft surfaces and frequent small meals for optimal health